The Brotherhood of Great Hearts

The Brotherhood of Great Hearts

You are invited to experience The Brotherhood of Great Hearts, an ensemble bringing together some of the ideas, traditions and creative expressions that have shaped South African jazz and the Black Consciousness project.

Both a musical ensemble and a living engagement with the archive of South African jazz and creative music, the Brotherhood connects the legacies of the past with contemporary composition and new artistic possibilities.

Gathering under the name Brotherhood, the musicians acknowledge its gendered history while reaching towards a broader ideal of liberation, equality and freedom for all.

In challenging times, the Great Heart remains an ideal: a commitment to truth, love and the enduring power of music to move us, challenge us and bring us together.

Meet the renowned Musicians of The Brotherhood of Great Hearts

Muhammad Dawjee (tenor saxophone) — Co-founder of Kinsmen, known for his exploratory improvisation and engagement with the South African jazz tradition.

Maxwell Baloyi (piano) — Accomplished pianist, composer, arranger and educator who has performed with leading South African musicians.

Lesedi Ntsane (trumpet) — South African trumpeter whose musical journey spans formal music studies and professional ensemble performance.

Tumi Mogorosi (drum kit) — Acclaimed drummer, composer and activist whose work connects jazz, Black intellectual traditions and political expression.

Nhlanhla Radebe (upright bass) — Jazz bassist whose work reflects a commitment to improvisation and the South African jazz tradition.

Kagiso Ramela (alto saxophone) — Saxophonist contributing to the ensemble’s exploration of jazz and contemporary creative music.